By KT Reporter
Residents of Lorengedwat sub-county in Nabilatuk district are demanding the construction of a health facility after leasing out 10 acres of land to Ram Excavation Company. The land, leased through the Kailikong Communal Land Association, was offered for three years at 800 million shillings, payable in installments. The first deposit of 200 million shillings is expected in May 2025, with subsequent payments due every six months.
The decision to lease the land came after a dispute involving the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, who had issued a letter to Ram Excavation Company permitting quarrying activities on the rock within the titled Kailikong communal land. This sparked concern among the community members, who later wrote to the district leadership seeking clarity on how the investor began operations on their land without their consent.
In response, the Nabilatuk district leadership intervened and engaged the Ministry of Lands, leading to negotiations with the investor. The company eventually agreed to compensate the community for quarrying rights, resulting in the formal lease agreement. The community has since resolved to use the proceeds from the lease to construct at least two Health Centre II facilities, with the remaining funds to support educational needs.
Godfrey Lolibun, a youth from Naweet village, applauded the district leaders and the Ministry of Lands for securing land titles that have helped protect their land from grabbers. He emphasized the importance of community engagement by investors and recalled how the land was initially taken without their knowledge until they raised concerns, which led to negotiations and eventual payment. Lolibun said the money should be invested in supporting vulnerable children’s education and constructing a health facility. He urged the government to assist in stocking drugs for the health center.
Betty Lopuko, a resident of Naweet village, echoed the need for a Health Centre II to ease access to health services. She pointed out that the sub-county currently has only one health facility, forcing some residents to walk over 10 kilometers for treatment. She suggested using part of the funds to build school dormitories to improve education and opposed a proposal by elders to buy cows, stating that the funds should benefit the entire community, not individuals.
Elizabeth Aluka, another resident, supported the idea of building health facilities instead of distributing the money to individuals. She noted that Nasinyonoit parish urgently needs a health center and called on the elders to stop linking the issue to clan interests, as the land is communal and meant for everyone.
Paul Lokol, the LC5 chairperson of Nabilatuk district, explained that his council was mandated by the community to negotiate the rock business. He thanked the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs for not interfering and commended the Ministry of Lands for facilitating the agreement with the investor. Lokol emphasized that the leaders had fulfilled their role in securing payment and now it is up to the community to plan for the funds wisely. He expressed regret that the community had to take on responsibilities like building health facilities, which he said should have been a government mandate. Lokol criticized the government for failing to deliver basic services, placing the burden on residents.
Joseph Alakas, the Nabilatuk district speaker, recounted the difficulty of reclaiming the land after an individual had falsely claimed ownership and granted it to the investor. He praised the Kailikong Land Association for their effort in registering the land, which made recovery possible, despite threats from government officials and competing claims from the Ministry of Agriculture. Alakas urged the Karamojong community to focus not only on livestock but also on the rich minerals beneath their land.
Faustino Longole, Lands Desk Officer at Moroto Catholic Diocese, explained that their office has been helping communities form communal land associations to protect customary land rights. He emphasized that these associations ensure that land ownership is respected and urged the government and investors to always consult communities before undertaking any activity on communal land-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
